Introducing Crocus

Aconitum 'Stainless Steel'

This unique, architectural monkshood has steely eryngium-blue flowers. Contrast against ruby-leaved Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ or use with deep-blue aconitums for extra glimmer

Val Bourne
- Garden Writer

Position: full sun or partial shade

Soil: moist, fertile

Rate of growth: average

Flowering period: June to August

Hardiness: fully hardy

This is a medium-sized monkshood, with erect spikes of hooded, intense pale blue flowers from early to late summer and deeply divided, grey-green leaves. This beautiful metallic blue monkshood was introduced several years ago to great acclaim. Although it will take some sun, its perfect planted in groups at back of a border in partial shade, to light up a dark corner, and its a low maintenance and long-flowering alternative to delphiniums

Garden care: Prepare an extra deep planting hole at least 45cm (18in) deep, adding well-rotted organic matter to prevent the soil from drying out in summer. Always wear gloves when working with monkshood, since all parts of the plant are poisonous and a potential skin irritant. Cut the flowering stem to within 15cm of the ground in the autumn to prevent it self seeding..

Hosta 'Big Daddy' (sieboldiana hybrid)

plantain lily

Campanula glomerata 'Superba'

clustered bellflower

Rich purple flowers in June

£8.99

2 litre pot
within 2 weeks

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Hi there, I bought some Aconitum - Monkshood in June, but now in September they all have withered and appear to be dead. I noted it is described a full hardy, should it not still be green? I hope you can advise. Regards Jillian

Hello Jillian, These plants are herbaceous perennials, which are starting to die back now for the Winter. This is a natural part of their life cycle and the plants will remain dormant throughout Winter, then in the Spring the plants will put on lots of new, lush growth. I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

Many flowering plants can be encouraged to produce better and longer-lasting displays with the minimum of effort. A plant produces flowers in order to reproduce and ensure the survival of the species. Once a plant has flowered and fertilisation has taken

The traditional cottage garden was an intensive, yet carefree mixture of fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers all crowded into a tiny space. Today, this informal charm can be recreated using modern varieties that largely take care of themselves around an